Sample WAEC-style Practice Questions (Original Content)
WAEC Style
Question 1
Which of the following instruments is most suitable for measuring the diameter of a very thin wire?
A. Metre rule
B. Vernier calipers
C. Micrometer screw gauge
D. Tape measure
Answer: C. Micrometer screw gauge
Explanation: The micrometer screw gauge has the highest precision (usually 0.01 mm), making it ideal for measuring very small thicknesses like wire diameters.
Question 2
The relative density of a substance is the ratio of its density to the density of:
A. Mercury
B. Air
C. Water
D. Alcohol
Answer: C. Water
Explanation: Relative density (or specific gravity) is a dimensionless quantity compared against the density of pure water at 4 degrees Celsius.
Question 3
A body starts from rest and moves with a uniform acceleration of 2 m per second squared. Calculate its velocity after 10 seconds.
A. 5 m per second
B. 10 m per second
C. 20 m per second
D. 40 m per second
Answer: C. 20 m per second
Explanation: Using v = u + at. Since it starts from rest, u = 0. v = 0 + (2 * 10) = 20 m/s.
Question 4
The tendency of a body to remain at rest or continue in its state of uniform motion in a straight line is called:
A. Momentum
B. Force
C. Inertia
D. Friction
Answer: C. Inertia
Explanation: Inertia is the inherent property of a body to resist changes to its state of motion.
Question 5
Which of the following is true about the mass and weight of an object on the Moon compared to the Earth?
A. Both mass and weight decrease
B. Mass remains constant, weight decreases
C. Mass decreases, weight remains constant
D. Both mass and weight remain constant
Answer: B. Mass remains constant, weight decreases
Explanation: Mass is the amount of matter and never changes. Weight depends on gravity, and since the Moon's gravity is weaker, weight decreases.
Question 6
The friction within a fluid (liquid or gas) that opposes the motion of one layer over another is called:
A. Surface tension
B. Viscosity
C. Adhesion
D. Cohesion
Answer: B. Viscosity
Explanation: Viscosity is effectively "internal friction" for fluids.
Question 7
The minimum velocity required for a body to escape the gravitational pull of a planet is called:
A. Terminal velocity
B. Orbital velocity
C. Escape velocity
D. Uniform velocity
Answer: C. Escape velocity
Explanation: On Earth, the escape velocity is approximately 11.2 km per second.
Question 8
A simple machine with a velocity ratio of 4 is used to lift a load of 100N using an effort of 40N. Calculate the efficiency of the machine.
The point through which the resultant of the weights of all the particles of a body acts is the:
A. Center of mass
B. Center of gravity
C. Geometric center
D. Center of buoyancy
Answer: B. Center of gravity
Explanation: For a body in a uniform gravitational field, the center of gravity coincides with the center of mass.
Question 10
Which of the following properties is characteristic of a stable equilibrium?
A. The center of gravity is at its highest possible point
B. A slight displacement raises the center of gravity
C. A slight displacement lowers the center of gravity
D. The body does not return to its original position
Answer: B. A slight displacement raises the center of gravity
Explanation: In stable equilibrium, the work done in tilting the object raises the CG, and the object tends to return to its original position.
Question 11
Calculate the work done in lifting a 5kg mass through a vertical height of 2m. (Take g = 10 m per second squared)
A. 10 J
B. 25 J
C. 50 J
D. 100 J
Answer: D. 100 J
Explanation: Work = Force * Distance = (m * g) * h = 5 * 10 * 2 = 100 Joules.
Question 12
The energy stored in a stretched catapult is:
A. Kinetic energy
B. Gravitational potential energy
C. Elastic potential energy
D. Chemical energy
Answer: C. Elastic potential energy
Explanation: Energy is stored due to the deformation of the elastic material.
Question 13
The melting point of a substance is affected by pressure. For a substance that expands on solidifying (like ice), an increase in pressure will:
A. Increase the melting point
B. Decrease the melting point
C. Not affect the melting point
D. Make the substance sublime
Answer: B. Decrease the melting point
Explanation: Pressure helps substances that contract upon melting (like ice) to melt at lower temperatures.
Question 14
Which of the following is the best conductor of heat?
A. Air
B. Water
C. Copper
D. Wood
Answer: C. Copper
Explanation: Metals like copper are excellent conductors due to free electrons. Air and wood are insulators.
Question 15
The rise or fall of a liquid in a narrow tube is called:
A. Osmosis
B. Capillarity
C. Diffusion
D. Viscosity
Answer: B. Capillarity
Explanation: Capillarity is caused by surface tension and the relative strengths of adhesive and cohesive forces.
Question 16
According to the Kinetic Theory of gases, the absolute temperature of a gas is a measure of the average:
A. Potential energy of the molecules
B. Kinetic energy of the molecules
C. Velocity of the molecules
D. Momentum of the molecules
Answer: B. Kinetic energy of the molecules
Explanation: Temperature is directly proportional to the average translational kinetic energy of the gas particles.
Question 17
In a bimetallic strip used in a thermostat, the two metals have different:
A. Specific heat capacities
B. Melting points
C. Coefficients of expansion
D. Densities
Answer: C. Coefficients of expansion
Explanation: One metal expands more than the other when heated, causing the strip to bend and break/make a circuit.
Question 18
A magnifying glass (simple microscope) consists of a:
A. Concave lens
B. Convex lens
C. Concave mirror
D. Convex mirror
Answer: B. Convex lens
Explanation: A converging (convex) lens produces a virtual, upright, and magnified image when the object is within the focal length.
Question 19
The colored pattern seen on a thin film of oil on water is due to:
A. Dispersion
B. Diffraction
C. Interference
D. Reflection
Answer: C. Interference
Explanation: Light reflects off both the top and bottom surfaces of the oil film, causing constructive and destructive interference.
Question 20
The speed of light in water is 2.25 x 10 to the power of 8 m per second. If the speed of light in vacuum is 3.0 x 10 to the power of 8 m per second, calculate the refractive index of water.
A. 0.75
B. 1.33
C. 1.50
D. 2.00
Answer: B. 1.33
Explanation: Refractive index n = Speed in vacuum / Speed in medium = 3.0 / 2.25 = 1.33.
Question 21
Sound waves are described as longitudinal because the particles of the medium vibrate:
A. Perpendicular to the direction of wave travel
B. Parallel to the direction of wave travel
C. In circles
D. Only at the surface
Answer: B. Parallel to the direction of wave travel
Explanation: Longitudinal waves consist of compressions and rarefactions moving in the same direction as the vibration.
Question 22
The loudness of a sound note depends on the ______ of the sound wave.
A. Frequency
B. Speed
C. Amplitude
D. Overtones
Answer: C. Amplitude
Explanation: Larger amplitude corresponds to louder sound. Pitch depends on frequency.
Question 23
A string of length 0.5m is vibrated to produce its fundamental note. If the speed of the wave in the string is 200 m per second, find the frequency.
A. 100 Hz
B. 200 Hz
C. 400 Hz
D. 50 Hz
Answer: B. 200 Hz
Explanation: For fundamental frequency f = v / (2 * L). f = 200 / (2 * 0.5) = 200 Hz.
Question 24
An object is placed at the center of curvature of a concave mirror. The image formed is:
A. Virtual and magnified
B. Real and diminished
C. Real and the same size as the object
D. Virtual and the same size as the object
Answer: C. Real and the same size as the object
Explanation: When an object is at 'C' (2f), the image is also at 'C', inverted, real, and same size.
Question 25
Which of the following electromagnetic waves has the highest frequency?
A. Radio waves
B. Microwaves
C. X-rays
D. Gamma rays
Answer: D. Gamma rays
Explanation: Gamma rays sit at the high-frequency/low-wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Question 26
The unit of electric charge is the:
A. Ampere
B. Coulomb
C. Volt
D. Ohm
Answer: B. Coulomb
Explanation: One Coulomb is the charge transported by a constant current of one Ampere in one second.
Question 27
A capacitor consists of two parallel plates separated by a/an:
A. Conductor
B. Inductor
C. Dielectric
D. Semiconductor
Answer: C. Dielectric
Explanation: A dielectric is an insulating material (like air, paper, or mica) that increases the capacitance.
Question 28
Which of the following is Ohm's Law?
A. V = I divided by R
B. V = I multiplied by R
C. I = V multiplied by R
D. R = I divided by V
Answer: B. V = I multiplied by R
Explanation: The potential difference across a conductor is directly proportional to the current, provided temperature remains constant.
Question 29
Three 6-ohm resistors are connected in parallel. What is the effective resistance?
The core of an electromagnet is usually made of soft iron because soft iron:
A. Is a good conductor of electricity
B. Is easily magnetized and demagnetized
C. Is very hard
D. Has a high melting point
Answer: B. Is easily magnetized and demagnetized
Explanation: This allows the electromagnet to be turned on and off instantly.
Question 31
The angle between the magnetic North and the geographic North is called:
A. Angle of dip
B. Angle of declination
C. Angle of inclination
D. Angle of variation
Answer: B. Angle of declination
Explanation: This angle varies depending on your location on the Earth's surface.
Question 32
A step-up transformer increases:
A. Power
B. Current
C. Voltage
D. Frequency
Answer: C. Voltage
Explanation: A step-up transformer has more turns in the secondary coil, increasing voltage while decreasing current (to conserve energy).
Question 33
Which of the following is a result of the particle nature of light?
A. Interference
B. Diffraction
C. Photoelectric effect
D. Refraction
Answer: C. Photoelectric effect
Explanation: The photoelectric effect can only be explained by considering light as discrete packets of energy called photons.
Question 34
The mass number of an atom is the total number of:
A. Protons and electrons
B. Protons and neutrons
C. Neutrons and electrons
D. Protons only
Answer: B. Protons and neutrons
Explanation: These two particles (nucleons) make up the bulk of the atom's mass.
Question 35
A radioactive atom emits a beta particle. The atomic number of the new atom:
A. Increases by 1
B. Decreases by 1
C. Decreases by 2
D. Remains the same
Answer: A. Increases by 1
Explanation: Beta decay involves a neutron turning into a proton and an electron (the beta particle). The extra proton increases the atomic number.
Question 36
Calculate the pressure exerted by a force of 50N acting on an area of 2 square metres.
A. 100 Pa
B. 25 Pa
C. 0.04 Pa
D. 10 Pa
Answer: B. 25 Pa
Explanation: Pressure = Force / Area = 50 / 2 = 25 Pascals.
Question 37
The direction of an induced current is such that it opposes the change producing it. This is:
A. Faraday's Law
B. Ampere's Law
C. Lenz's Law
D. Coulomb's Law
Answer: C. Lenz's Law
Explanation: Lenz's law is essential for understanding conservation of energy in induction.
Question 38
Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
A. Coal
B. Natural Gas
C. Solar Energy
D. Petroleum
Answer: C. Solar Energy
Explanation: Solar energy is virtually inexhaustible, unlike fossil fuels.
Question 39
The force of attraction between two masses is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This is:
A. Keplers Law
B. Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation
C. Hookes Law
D. Ohms Law
Answer: B. Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation
Explanation: F = (G * m1 * m2) / (r squared).
Question 40
A simple pendulum has a period of 2 seconds. What will be the period if the length of the string is quadrupled (multiplied by 4)?
A. 2 seconds
B. 4 seconds
C. 8 seconds
D. 1 second
Answer: B. 4 seconds
Explanation: Period T is proportional to the square root of length L. If L becomes 4L, T becomes sqrt(4) * T = 2 * 2 = 4 seconds.
Question 41
The work done per unit charge in moving a charge between two points in an electric field is the:
A. Electric current
B. Capacitance
C. Potential difference
D. Resistance
Answer: C. Potential difference
Explanation: Potential Difference V = Work / Charge.
Question 42
An electric heater is rated 1000W, 200V. Calculate the current it draws.
A. 0.2 A
B. 5 A
C. 10 A
D. 50 A
Answer: B. 5 A
Explanation: Power P = IV. I = P / V = 1000 / 200 = 5 Amperes.
Question 43
Which of the following radiations is NOT deflected by a magnetic field?
A. Alpha particles
B. Beta particles
C. Gamma rays
D. Protons
Answer: C. Gamma rays
Explanation: Gamma rays have no charge, so they are unaffected by electric or magnetic fields.
Question 44
The wavelength of a wave is 0.1m and its frequency is 20Hz. What is the period of the wave?
A. 2 seconds
B. 0.5 seconds
C. 0.05 seconds
D. 10 seconds
Answer: C. 0.05 seconds
Explanation: Period T = 1 / Frequency = 1 / 20 = 0.05 seconds.
Question 45
In the refraction of light, the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is a constant. This is:
A. Snell's Law
B. Hooke's Law
C. Newton's Law
D. Pascal's Law
Answer: A. Snell's Law
Explanation: sin(i) / sin(r) = constant (the refractive index).
Question 46
Which of the following is a semiconductor material?
A. Copper
B. Germanium
C. Plastic
D. Steel
Answer: B. Germanium
Explanation: Silicon and Germanium are the primary elements used to make semiconductors.
Question 47
The specific latent heat of vaporization of water is 2,260,000 J per kg. How much heat is required to turn 0.1kg of water at 100 degrees C into steam?
A. 2,260 J
B. 22,600 J
C. 226,000 J
D. 2,260,000 J
Answer: C. 226,000 J
Explanation: Heat Q = mass * Specific Latent Heat = 0.1 * 2,260,000 = 226,000 Joules.
Question 48
A beam of light travels from air into glass. The light beam will bend:
A. Towards the normal
B. Away from the normal
C. Along the boundary
D. Not at all
Answer: A. Towards the normal
Explanation: Light slows down in glass (more dense), causing it to bend towards the normal line.
Question 49
The instrument used to detect presence of electric charge is the:
A. Ammeter
B. Voltmeter
C. Gold-leaf electroscope
D. Galvanometer
Answer: C. Gold-leaf electroscope
Explanation: The leaves diverge when a charge is brought near the cap.
Question 50
Einstein's mass-energy equation is given by:
A. E = m multiplied by v
B. E = m multiplied by c
C. E = m multiplied by c squared
D. E = 0.5 multiplied by m multiplied by v squared
Answer: C. E = m multiplied by c squared
Explanation: This equation shows that mass can be converted into energy, where c is the speed of light.